PCSFN

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, puts tens of millions of people at risk for largely preventable conditions — such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure — and premature death. Hypertension is one of the leading modifiable risk factors causing chronic disease and premature mortality in the United States. Yet a large percentage of Americans are unaware that they have hypertension, and only about 1 in 4 adults in the United States have it under control. Preventing and controlling hypertension for Americans will save lives, reduce inordinate costs, and improve health, well-being, and resilience. The first step toward these outcomes is acknowledging that hypertension, sometimes called the “silent killer” for often going undetected before leading to serious harm, is also a “silent pandemic” — and though it’s not a contagious threat in the traditional sense, hypertension needs to be addressed with even greater attention and urgency. The statistics clearly define the problem.

Today, the White House, in conjunction with the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, announced a new partnership with major sports leagues and players associations. The goal of the partnership is to expand access to physical activity, increase nutrition education and messaging, and promote healthy lifestyles to people across the nation.

Meet Rayhaan Merani, the new executive director of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition (PCSFN). Recently appointed by President Joseph Biden, Mr. Merani is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the PCSFN and for providing guidance to the Biden-Harris administration’s appointed Council members in their efforts to carry out the work of the President’s Council...